It's time to think about fall planting! Many of you have already stopped by to gather ideas and ask for help with your landscaping; that is so smart! As we are less busy now, it is an ideal time to stop by if you have several gardening questions specific to your landscape.
Fall is an excellent time to plant and is regarded by many experienced gardeners as the best time to plant. The reason for this is because most plants appreciate being planted when the weather is cooling down and when they are about to go dormant for winter. It gives them several months to start to become acclimated in your soil before hot summer weather comes our way again.
As you prepare for fall planting, it will be helpful to ask yourself:
1. What kind of sun/shade is there in this space? Full sun is defined as 6+ hours of sunlight each day OR full afternoon sun with morning shade, part sun is morning sun/ afternoon shade.
2. Do I want a mixture of evergreens and deciduous plants?
3. What is the purpose for this landscape bed (screen/ front entry/ pollinator garden/ shade garden/ etc.)?
4. What dimensions am I working with?
5. Is there any color of bloom I'd like to incorporate? If this is a gardening bed on the front of the house, what color is the brick so blooms do not potentially clash with the house?
6. Am I interested in four-season color (where there is interest at all times throughout the year. This is possible to accomplish thru a mixture of deciduous and evergreen plants, as well as perennials, for example, that bloom at different times of the year. There are even winter-blooming flowers!)?
Because plants are preparing to go dormant in fall, you should not fertilize any plants after August. You do not need to prune in fall either, as you would be cutting back a plant at a time when it will immediately try to grow back, but it shouldn't be exerting that energy as it is supposed to be preparing to go dormant. Fertilize in late winter/ early spring, and also do the majority of your pruning at that time (with the exception being spring-blooming shrubs and trees; they need to be pruned right after they bloom in spring). Stop by or give us a call for specific questions you may have as you prepare for fall planting!